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New Life gets fourth title

By Brian Stensaas, Star Tribune, 06/10/11, 11:00PM CDT

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Eagles first team to accomplish four consecutive state titles in state history


New Life Academy players celebrate during the Class 1A state championship. David Joles, Star Tribune

'One more title’


Cherry/Cotton starting pitcher Sara Sauter (9) is hugged by a coach after being taken out as pitcher during the 7th inning of their 8-2 loss to New Life Academy. David Joles, Star Tribune

Nothing about New Life Academy’s 8-2 victory over Cherry/Cotton in the Class 1A championship game was particularly noteworthy alone. But it is the fourth consecutive title for the Eagles. No other team has accomplished that in the 34-year history of the tournament.

“We kind of joked about the four-peat but in all honesty we take this pretty seriously,” coach Mick Ramey said.

Earlier this week, New Life Academy (24-4) set up a scrimmage with Hastings to get ready for the state tournament. It was one of the final steps of a season that has been all about the team’s motto: just one more.

“It could be one more anything,” Ramey said. “One more strike, one more hit, one more catch. And we finished with one more title.”

Katie Stodolka went 3-for-3 with three RBI.


Following the game's final out, New Life Academy players celebrate their 8-2 win over Cherry/Cotton. David Joles, Star Tribune

Game Recap

The final game of the 2011 state softball tournament was perhaps the most memorable.

New LIfe Academy's 8-2 victory over Cherry/Cotton in the Class 1A championship wasn't anyting spectacular in itself. But the win is the Eagles fourth straight title, the first team to accomplish that feat in the 34-year history of the tournament.

A close game early was broken open in the bottom of the fourth inning. Katie Stodolka ripped a two-out, two-run double to left as part of the three-run inning. Pitcher Rebekah Schmidt took over from there. She shut down the tigers the rest of the way as part of her four-hit, 10-strikeout afternoon.

Schmidt was also big at the plate, drawing three walks.

State Tournament News

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